What does Judges 8:4 mean?
After the initial rout of the Midianites (Judges 7:22–25), Gideon called more men to help chase down the fleeing enemy before they could escape into the wilderness. The narrative suggests the men of Ephraim were able to stop at least some of the Midianites who made it to the Jordan River. Now, though, we learn others escaped. Gideon is committed to hunting them down and destroying them, even on the eastern side of the Jordan.Gideon's forces have once again been reduced to the original 300 men selected to begin the battle with him (Judges 7:8). Together, they will continue to pursue the escaping Midianites. At this point, though, they are exhausted and running on empty stomachs. Gideon will ask some of his countrymen for help, but their response will be harsh.